Help With Blood Test Results

[Bareselk]

Hello everyone, 

 I got my a blood test done with my gastroenterologist on Monday. She called back on Thursday and was very concerned about my Tissue Transglutaminase AB results. She has referred me to have a biopsy done hopefully in the next few weeks. 

I know that the biopsy will give more answers, but I wanted to share my results and see if anyone had any insight. As much as I don’t want it to be Celiac’s, I also would like to get some answers.

 

Immunoglobulin A Result. - 224 mg/dL (Normal range 47 - 320) 

C Reactive Protein - 0.5 mg/dL (normal range 0.0 - 1.0) 

Tissue Transglutaminase AB, IGA - 102.1 U/mL (<15.0 = Antibody not detected, >15 = Antibody detected) 

 

Thank you! 

[Scott Adams]

That definitely looks like a very high positive test result for celiac disease. Be sure to keep eating gluten normally until after the biopsy is completed. Do you have celiac disease symptoms? Many celiacs don't. 

[trents]

The tTG-IGA at 102.1 is a clear, unequivocal positive. This particular antibody test is the most common one ordered by physicians. It combines good sensitivity with good specificity. With a score like that on that test the odds of you not having celiac disease are very low.

The endoscopy with biopsy of the lining of the small bowel is used for confirmation of what the antibody testing turns up. Celiac disease causes inflammation of the villi that line the small bowel when gluten is consumed. Thus, celiac disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder (as opposed to an allergy). Over time, this inflammation damages the villi which in turn compromises nutrient absorption. The antibody tests detect the inflammation process and the endoscopy/biopsy microscopically examines the villi for damage. If the damage is significant, the doc doing the scoping can often see it, even before the sample is sent to a lab for microscopic examination.

As Scott said, in order not to invalidate the scoping/biopsy, keep eating regular amounts of gluten until the procedure is over. Stopping gluten ahead of time allows the villi to heal.

Edited January 29, 2023 by trents

[Bareselk]

1 minute ago, trents said:

The tTG-IGA at 102.1 is a clear, unequivocal positive. This particular antibody test is the most common one ordered by physicians. It combines good sensitivity with good specificity. With a score like that on that test the odds of you not having celiac disease are very low.

The endoscopy with biopsy of the lining of the small bowel is used for confirmation of what the antibody testing turns up. Celiac disease causes inflammation of the villi that line the small bowel when gluten is consumed. Thus, celiac disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder (as opposed to an allergy). Over time, this inflammation damages the villi which in turn compromises nutrient absorption. The antibody tests detect the inflammation process and the endoscopy/biopsy microscopically examines the villi for damage. If the damage is significant, the doc doing the scoping can often see it, even before the sample is sent to a lab for microscopic examination.

Thank you so much for the information!  Very helpful! I am expecting to have an official diagnosis after biopsy, but your insight gives me a little bit of a heads up. 

11 minutes ago, Scott Adams said:

That definitely looks like a very high positive test result for celiac disease. Be sure to keep eating gluten normally until after the biopsy is completed. Do you have celiac disease symptoms? Many celiacs don't. 

Thank you for the reply! 

Yes, I have had some symptoms and originally went to the doctor for potential IBS. I have had some of the common symptoms: upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, fluctuations in weight. 

[Scott Adams]

Let us know how things turn out!

[Bareselk]

I was finally able to get my upper Endoscopy yesterday. I am awaiting final results of the biopsy. 

On the surgeons notes, he stated that I have "mild chronic antral gastritis." 

His report also stated that I have "mildly increased intraepithelial lymphocytes which can be seen in cases of mild gluten sensitive enteropathy." 

I am hoping to get some answers soon! 

[trents]

Sounds like you have celiac disease. "Gluten sensitive enteropathy" is aka celiac disease. It's doctor speak.

[Bareselk]

5 minutes ago, trents said:

Sounds like you have celiac disease. "Gluten sensitive enteropathy" is aka celiac disease. It's doctor speak.

That’s what I am thinking. I am hoping to hear from my gastroenterologist soon! 

[Raptorsgal]

How was the procedure I may have to get it to I had a blood test the ttg it’s was high in seeing a gastroenterologist soon to see if I need more test or if they can confirm I have this 😞 disease 

[Raptorsgal]

Hoping not to have more test I’m scared of test hoping the blood test will be enough 

[Bareselk]

1 minute ago, Raptorsgal said:

How was the procedure I may have to get it to I had a blood test the ttg it’s was high in seeing a gastroenterologist soon to see if I need more test or if they can confirm I have this 😞 disease 

My upper endoscopy was like ten minutes and I felt nothing. The only pain was when they poked my arm for the IV. They put me to sleep during it, so I remember nothing. The worst part was all of the waiting for all of the nurses and doctors to get ready lol! 
 

Good luck! I will update with my results this week hopefully. 

[Raptorsgal]

I had the blood test have an app this week hoping I don’t have to do it . It maybe high  enough I don’t . Glad it was ok for you . I get anxiety about test 🙏 good luck to you to 

[Bareselk]

Hello everyone, 

I was able to get my results a few weeks ago. It was a little tricky for the doctors to diagnose me. I had very little damage to my intestines, so the diagnosis wasn't extremely obvious. However, due to my blood test results and gastritis as well as my symptoms, they decided to give me the official diagnosis of Celiac's Disease.  

 

I have been eating gluten free for about a month now. It is has been an adjustment, but I am starting to feel better. I am still learning a lot. 

[Scott Adams]

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